Radically shaped lenses and goggle assemblies and glasses employing same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to spherical-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and a substantially constant radius of curvature of between 28-19 mm. The spherical lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.

SUMMARY OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/612,958 filed on Jul. 7,2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,952 which was a division ofapplication Ser. No. 09/645,339, which was filed on Aug. 25, 2000 andissued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,860 and claimed priority from provisionalapplication 60/150,803 filed Aug. 26, 1999, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to see-through lenses. More particularly,the present invention is directed to uniquely constructed,radically-shaped lenses, e.g., spheric or toric lenses having aradius-of-curvature between 28-19 mm (19-28 base curve), adaptableprimarily for use in non-prescription sunglasses, sport goggles and thelike, although not limited thereto.

As well as enhancing vision, eyeglasses also serve to protect the eyeagainst all types of foreign objects. Initially, the lenses employed insuch eyeglasses were routinely made of glass and were substantially flatin shape, a condition that created significant distortion around theperiphery of the lenses. More recently, lenses have been made of avariety of plastic or plastic-like materials, often having dramaticallycurved surfaces. For example, swim or riding goggles are well know tohave teardrop-shaped lenses. While such lenses may reduce aerodynamicdrag, a wearer may suffer from undesirable peripheral distortion whenviewing through such lenses.

Curved lenses employed in sports goggles, sunglasses or the like may bemore or less elliptical in shape as required by the specificapplication. Such applications may include fashion eye wear, performanceeyewear including swim and sport goggles, and sunglasses, as well as allmanner of protective eye wear for use at home and on the job. In anyparticular use, the arc of the curved lens may vary in shape dependenton the overall circumference of the curved lens necessary to achieveundistorted vision. Lenses may be employed with a slight sphericalappearance, i.e., a modified spherical, or ovoid arc. In such slightlycurved lenses, there is a variable radius of curvature somewhere between106-44 mm, e.g., a 5-12 base curve (base curve being calculated bydividing a radius in millimeters into 530). In effect, the distancebetween the lens and eye may well differ at different locations on thelens. This may create significant distortion at the periphery of eachlens.

The Government of the United States has procured a protective facemaskassembly having a pair of semi-curved lenses of spherical or ovoidconfiguration. While these lenses may seem superficially similar to thepresent invention, closer inspection reveals a number of significantdifferences. Because the Government lenses are mounted in pocketscreating the nose bridge of the facemask, the edge of each Governmentlens is truncated or cut-off to allow for assembly into its respectivepocket. This naturally creates peripheral distortion for the wearer ofthe mask, when attempting to view through the truncated portion locatednear the mask nose. Another drawback of the Government procuredspherical lens is the use of only a single size lens, i.e. “one sizefits all.” Each Government lens also incorporates two parts, a sphericallens and surrounding flange joined by a dedicated and detectable seam.This seam itself can distort the vision of the wearer. Furthermore,there is no suggestion that the flange surrounding the Government'sspherical lens can be made of any desirable configuration.

It is clear that there exists a need in the art for an improved viewinglens capable of providing distortion-free viewing in a fashionabledesign equally adaptable for use in most all types of eyewear includingconventional, non-prescription sunglasses. As will become apparent, thepresent invention provides a uniquely configured lens assembly whichoptimizes peripheral vision while minimizing the size of each lens andthus maximizing the aerodynamic flow of air around the lens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need in the art for eyewear lenses capable of providingmaximum field-of-view with a minimum of distortion. Such lenses need beadaptable for eyewear including sports wear and fashion wear. It istherefore an object of the present invention to provide such radicallyshaped lenses and associated eyewear.

It is another object of the invention to provide radically shaped lenseswhich provide increased sun, wind, and dust protection relative to thesunglasses and goggles of the art while at the same time improvingcentral and peripheral vision with a lens that is in proximaterelationship to the eye rotation at all times.

The present invention is directed to a radically shaped lens adaptablefor use as a viewing lens in, e.g., protective eyewear, sunglasses,sport goggles, and swim wear utilized above the water. The inventionincludes a unique lens wherein the radius of curvature of the lens issubstantially constant from a normal eyeball as it scans throughout theviewing field. Because the radius of curvature is substantiallyconstant, the radically shaped, lens provides for continuous,undistorted peripheral vision. The radius of curvature of each radicallyshaped lens is preferably in the range of 28-19 mm, e.g., an exemplarylens with a base curve in the range of 19-28.

The lens of the invention is of substantially constant thicknessthroughout the field of view and the lens preferably only varies inthickness so that the lens can be is optically correct and free from anyprism effect throughout the periphery of the lens and have a 0 power ofmagnification at all points in the viewing field when constructed ofmaterial having an index of refraction of between 1.55 and 1.66. Afurther feature of the present invention is that the closer the lens ispositioned relative to the eye, the smaller in size the lens needs be.The lens is preferably no smaller than what is necessary to providefreedom of movement of the wearer's eyelashes. As the separation betweenthe lens and the eye increases, the size of the lens will also increase,with the maximum practical size of the lens directly related to thefacial geometry and to the point at which the wearer's eyes field ofvision overlap.

A pair of the radically-shaped lenses according to the present inventionmay be directly attached to a pair of stems (also referred to astemples) extending about opposite sides of the wearer's head or attachedto a goggle strap of any size and shape. Each radically shaped lens mayinclude a flange portion (also called a “carrier”) partially or totallysurrounding the viewing lens. At the point where the lens and flangeintersect, a seam may exist which visually differentiates between thelens and the flange. In one embodiment of the present invention, thelens and surrounding flange are separately constructed and joined at theseam. Alternatively, and more preferably, the lens and flange may beintegrally constructed out of the same material with a gradualtransition between the lens and flange portions providing a seamlessappearance. The gradual transition may constitute a continuous andconstant change of curvature, or may take any other desired shape. Forexample, the flange may contour to facial structure. Regardless of thetype of construction employed, these flanges may serve to secure thelenses to a pair of eyeglass stems, padding, nose piece, ear piece, orstrap, or the flange may be purely ornamental. The flange can be of anysize, shape, color, texture, or material. It is also within the scope ofthe present invention to dispense with the flange altogether by directlyconnecting each radically shaped lens to the goggle or glass frame.

The percentage of the spherical lens which is used for the field-of-viewshould be sufficient to provide undistorted peripheral vision of atleast 20° vertical and 20° horizontal and may be as great as 80° to 94°at the distal portion of each lens. As the proximal portion of theradically shaped lens, the nose would restrict overall monocular visionto field-of-view of about 140° to 156°.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent toone skilled in the art by reading the following specification and byreference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 a is a cross-sectional view of an eyeball and two curved lensesformed in accordance with the present invention and FIG. 1 b illustrateschanges in the viewing angle when one of the lenses 14 or 16 is disposedproximate the user's eye;

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c and 2 d are face, side, top and back views,respectively, of a radically-shaped lens formed in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are front and side views, respectively, of aradically-shaped lens mounted in a flange and formed in accordance withthe present invention while FIGS. 3 c and 3 d provide alternative viewsof the lens illustrated in FIGS. 3 c and 3 d;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a performance goggle assembly formed inaccordance with the present invention and including a pair ofradically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 a and 3 b of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further performance goggle assemblyformed in accordance with the present invention and including a pair ofradically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 a and 3 b of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of glasses formed in accordancewith the present invention and including a pair of radically-shapedlenses formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further pair of glasses formed inaccordance with the present invention and including a pair ofradically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further pair of glasses formed inaccordance with the present invention and including a pair ofradically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the present invention;and

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c provide additional information regarding theplacement of the radically shaped lenses relative to the user's eye(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications are described belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings in order to disclose theadvantageous teachings of the present invention. Referring now to thedrawings wherein like reference numerals designate like elementsthroughout, a typical eyeball is shown in cross-section in FIG. 1 a at10. The dotted line 12 traces the shape of the eyeball as it scans thefield-of-view. The dotted lines 14 and 16 each show the shape of aradically shaped lens formed in accordance with the present invention.The lens 14 is at all times substantially equal distance from the line12 delineating the eyeball 10. In a similar manner, the lens 16 is alsoat all times substantially equal distance from the line 12 of theeyeball 10. As will be understood, the lens 14 has a smaller radius ofcurvature than the lens 16. The difference in size between the lenses 14and 16 results in a different field-of-view when scanned by eyeball 10.It will be appreciated that whether a spherical lens the size and shapeof lens 14 or the size and shape of lens 16 is employed would depend onthe desired field-of-view. FIG. 1 b illustrates changes in the directionof view as the eye 10 rotates about its center relative to one of thelenses 14, 16.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d, wherein various views are shownof a radically-shaped lens 20 formed in accordance with the presentinvention. Lens 20 has a substantially constant radius of curvature, inthe range of 28-19 mm. It will be appreciated that this radius ofcurvature is preferably constant with respect to all axes; although, ifdesired, the radius of curvature may be varied slightly along one axis.In addition, the thickness of spherical lens 20 is preferablyconstructed to be substantially constant throughout. More particularly,for non-prescription lenses the thickness of the lens varies preferablyonly to the extent necessary to permit the lens to be optically correctand free from any prism effect throughout the periphery of the lens andto have a 0 power of magnification at all points in the viewing fieldwhen constructed of material having an index of refraction of between1.55 and 1.66. The percentage of the spherical shape of lens 20 used forviewing sufficient to provide undistorted peripheral vision of 20°vertical and 20° horizontal is between 80° and 94° at the distal portion22 of the lens and between 140° and 156° at the proximal portion 24 ofthe lens.

Turning to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the radically shaped, e.g., spherical lens20 includes a surrounding flange or carrier portion 26. Flange 26 joinsand supports spherical lens 20 while providing points of attachment forconnecting lens 20 to the frame portion of glass wear or goggles. Flange26 may be formed of any convenient shape. As shown in FIG. 3 b, flange26 includes an elongated portion 28 located near the distal end of lens20 remotely positioned from the adjacent lens as discussed below. FIGS.3 c and 3 d provide alternative views of the lens 20. It is noted thatflange portion may partially or totally surround the viewing lens. Atthe point where the lens and flange intersect, a seam may exist whichvisually differentiates between the lens and the flange. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the lens and surrounding flange areseparately constructed and joined at the seam. Alternatively, and morepreferably, the lens and flange are integrally constructed out of thesame material with a gradual transition between the lens and flangeportions providing a seamless appearance. The gradual transition mayconstitute a continuous and constant change of curvature, or may takeany other desired shape. For example, the flange may contour to facialstructure. If desired, padding may be employed between the flange andthe wearer's face. Regardless of the type of construction employed,these flanges may serve to secure the lenses to a pair of eyeglassstems, padding, nose piece, ear piece, or strap, or the flange may bepurely ornamental. The flange can be of any size, shape, color, texture,or material. It is also within the scope of the present invention todispense with the flange altogether by directly connecting eachradically shaped lens to the goggle or glass frame.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a radical performance sport goggle assembly isgenerally indicated at 30. Goggles 30 include a pair of radically shapedlenses 20 each formed in accordance with the present invention. Each ofthe lenses 20 has a substantially constant radius of curvature in therange of between 28-19 mm. Each of the lenses 20 is mounted in a frameor holder 30. Holder 30 may be formed of a hard plastic material or,preferably, may be formed of soft, impact-resistant material. Holder 30includes a pair of elongated eyepiece openings 34, with each opening 34releasably retaining in place one lens 20. A particular retentionassembly may comprise conventional clips, snaps, or other fastenersmounted on holder 30. When desired, each of the lenses 20 may bedetached and replaced by different size lenses of the same or adifferent color. Holder 32 further includes end portions 36 withquick-release loop connector members 38 preferably formed of stretchablerubber, which may selectively enclose and retain opposite ends 40 of astrap 42 designed to extend around the wearer's head. By pulling theconnector members 38 away from the wearer's face, it is possible totighten the frame 30 and strap 42 about the wearer's head withoutforming any dangling ends. The strap 42 is preferably formed ofsweat-absorbing material and may comprise a single band or two separateand yet connected band portions 44 and 46 which provide an ergonomicopening for secure and comfortable fit. As also shown in FIG. 4, anumber of air flow/ventilation openings 48 are created between walls ofeach opening 34 and the radically shaped lenses 20. Because aconsiderable amount of air is allowed to move behind each of the lenses20, they will not fog up as readily as conventional eyewear.

A particular benefit of the radically shaped lens 20 is its ability tobe worn closer to the face than conventional eyewear. This is due to theradical radius of the lens 20. Even though the lens 20 closely fits overthe wearer's eye, the eyelashes will have sufficient room to open andclose without interference from the inside wall of the lens 20. Becausethe lens 20 is much closer to the eye then with conventional eyewear,there is a significant improvement of the peripheral vision. Suchimproved peripheral vision may provide the wearer with superior advancewarning of potential danger at the periphery of the lens. Likewise, whena foreign object impacts the face, the fact that lens 20 is closer tothe face because of its radically-shaped configuration, means that thedistance that the impacted lens 20 moves is reduced, cushioning the blowto the face.

Instead of employing a frame or holder 34, the radically-shaped lenses20 and surrounding flanges portions 26 may be directly attached to astrap 50 adaptable for encircling the wearer's head as shown in theembodiment of FIG. 5. A nose piece 52 joins the flanges 26 of the lenses20 while a number of ventilation openings 54 extend though flanges 26 toallow air to freely circulate behind lenses 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of lenses 20 and surrounding flanges 26formed in accordance with the present invention are mounted in a frameassembly 60 formed of soft rubber or similar cushioning material. Frame60 includes a pair of stems 62, which extend from the flanges 26 beyondthe ears of the wearer, not shown. A nosepiece 64 supports a pair ofadjacently disposed lenses 20. At least one elongated ventilation slot66 extends between each of the spherical-shaped lenses 20 and thesurrounding frame 60.

In a further aspect of the present invention shown in FIG. 7, glasses 70includes two lenses 20 each surrounded by a flange member 26. A pair ofsemi-rigid stems 72 are each connected to an outer portion of one of theflanges 26. A separate pad 74 is connected to the inner portion of eachflange 26 with the pair of pads 74 serving to support the lenses 20 ofglasses 70 on the bridge of the nose of the wearer, not shown. Aconnecting member 76 extends between flange members 26 and serves tojoin the lenses 20 together to form glasses 70.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention, the glasses 80 in FIG.8 have eliminated the need for flanges 26. Rather, each of the pair oflenses 20 is directly connected to a frame 82 by at least one holder 84,which may comprise a wire or plastic member. It is also within the scopeof the present invention for the lenses 20 to be directly connected to apair of glass stems, a frame, paddings, and nose pieces in a mannersimilar to conventional lenses.

For each of the glasses or goggle assemblies formed in accordance withthe present invention, the radically-shaped lenses 20 can be formed ofsmaller size and have an overall smaller footprint than achieved inknown lenses. The lenses 20 need only surround the visible portion ofthe eyeball to function as effective eyewear, sunglasses or sportgoggles. The overall spherical lens size is selected to meet therequirements of the particular sport or fashion application. Thisminimalistic approach particularly benefits speed related activities,sports, and even allows for a more even suntan. When used in sunglasses,the smaller size of the radically-shaped lens 20 offers more peripheralprotection from UV rays than standard eyewear because theradically-shaped lens 20 almost entirely surrounds the exposed portionof the eyeball and can be worn much closer to the face than standardlenses. The overall advantages of the lens and goggles according to thepresent invention may best be understood from FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c,which provide views of the lens 20, or pair of lenses 20, disposedproximate to the user's eye(s).

The radically shaped lenses 20 exhibit a more aerodynamic in design whencompared to traditional lenses. More importantly, lens 20 can beindividually sized to fit the eye/facial area appropriate for wearersranging from small children to large adults. It within the scope of thepresent invention to create lenses 20 in various sizes, colors, andmaterials sufficient to satisfy the vision requirements of almost anypotential wearer.

The radically shaped lens 20 can be manufactured in any color, and mayinclude any coating or design on the front of the lenses. Because thelens 20 does not have to be completely solid, a number of ventilationopenings may extend through lens 20 to assist in airflow through thelenses. This will significantly benefit a user when subjected to heat,fog, or extreme weather conditions. The flange 26 surrounding lens 26may be the same color as the lens 20 or a different color may be used tocreate two-toned eyewear. Glare resistant properties may be incorporatedinto the flange 26, while the viewing lens 20 may contain UV propertiesas achieved with a particular tint. Alternatively, the flanges 26 mayincorporate artwork, lamination, or even a personal fashion statement.The flange 26 may be formed of any material, transparent or solid.

Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference toa particular embodiments for a particular applications. Those havingordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings willrecognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments withinthe scope thereof.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and allsuch applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of thepresent invention.

1. Eyewear apparatus, comprising: at least one radically shaped lenswith an optical portion having a substantially constant radius ofcurvature of between 28-19 mm with respect to at least one axis of thelens, and a carrier for the lens at least partially surrounding thelens, the carrier being integral with the lens and extending from thelens at a curvature different than said substantially constant radius ofcurvature.
 2. Eyewear apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said atleast one radically shaped lens comprises a pair of radically shapedlenses, and said eyewear apparatus includes means for retaining saidpair of lenses in a fixed position relative to a wearer.
 3. Eyewearapparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said at least one radicallyshaped lens has no discernable peripheral distortion when positionedproximate to an eyeball of normal shape and size.
 4. Eyewear apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein: said optical portion of said at least oneradically shaped lens is optically correct and free from any prismeffect throughout the periphery of the lens and has a 0 power ofmagnification at all points in a viewing field when constructed ofmaterial having an index of refraction of between 1.55 and 1.66. 5.Eyewear apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said carrier and lensare seamlessly integral.
 6. Eyewear apparatus according to claim 1,wherein: said carrier is contoured relative to the face of the wearer.7. Eyewear apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said carrier has acontinuous change of curvature.
 8. Eyewear apparatus according to claim1, wherein: the at least one radically shaped lens is formed oftransparent material.
 9. Eyewear apparatus according to claim 1,wherein: said carrier extends 360 degrees around said radically shapedlens.
 10. Eyewear apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: thepercentage of the lens used for viewing at least 20° in both thevertical and horizontal directions is in the range of 80° to about 94°at a distal portion of the lens.
 11. Eyewear apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein: the percentage of the lens used for viewing at least20° in both the vertical and horizontal directions is in the range of140° to about 156° at a proximal portion of the lens.
 12. Eyewearapparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said optical portion of saidlens has a substantially constant radius of curvature of between 28-19mm with respect to both axes of said lens.
 13. Eyewear apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein: said means for retaining said pair oflenses comprises a frame member supporting said pair of lenses andattached at either end to a strap assembly.
 14. Eyewear apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein: said strap assembly includes a pair ofelastomeric strap portions spaced from and connected to each other withend portions of one of the strap portions connected at opposite ends tothe frame for securing the eyewear in place.
 15. Eyewear apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein: each of said pair of lenses includes atleast one ventilation passageway extending completely therethrough,allowing air to circulate around both sides of each of the lenses. 16.Eyewear apparatus, comprising: a pair of radically shaped lenses eachwith optical portions having a substantially constant radius ofcurvature, and each respective lens of said pair having a respectivecarrier at least partially surrounding the respective lens, therespective carriers being integral and seamless with the lenses andextending from the lenses at a curvature different than saidsubstantially constant radius of curvature.
 17. Eyewear apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein: said optical portions of said pair oflenses are optically correct and free from any prism effect throughoutthe periphery of the lenses and have a 0 power of magnification at allpoints in a viewing field when constructed of material having an indexof refraction of between 1.55 and 1.66.
 18. Eyewear apparatus accordingto claim 16, wherein: said substantially constant radius of curvature isbetween 28-19 mm.